Justice Department Challenges Judge’s Demand on Deportation Flights Details
The Justice Department is opposing a federal judge’s demand for information on deportation flights, claiming it oversteps executive authority. This conflict involves President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act amid allegations of gang activity. The judge has questioned the administration’s adherence to his orders regarding these flights, raising issues of national security and judicial oversight.
The Justice Department is pushing back against a federal judge’s request for details about deportation flights to El Salvador, claiming this intrudes on executive authority. This conflict arises from a judge’s temporary halt on deportations linked to an 18th-century law, with President Trump aiming to impeach the judge following adverse court rulings on his policies.
U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, appointed by Democratic President Obama, demanded answers about flight details, including schedules and deportee numbers, to ensure compliance with his order. He has raised concerns about whether the administration ignored his directive regarding flights sending deportees to a prison in El Salvador.
The Justice Department argues the judge’s inquiries violate core Executive Branch powers related to national security. They are considering invoking the “state secrets privilege” to withhold specific information requested by the court, asserting that both the Judicial and Executive branches are equal in authority.
Boasberg has compelled the administration to either respond by a set deadline or cite state secrets as justification for withholding information. He emphasized the necessity of transparency in determining if the order was disregarded and how to address possible violations.
The judge challenged the government’s claims that providing details could compromise state secrets, highlighting previous public disclosures by officials about the flights. In 2025, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act amid allegations that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua poses a threat, ordering a halt on deportations under this declaration.
Following Boasberg’s warning to prevent deportation flights, the deportees had already arrived in El Salvador before the order was communicated. The Justice Department stated that two planes departed pre-order, while a third involved no deportees under the contested law. White House press secretary Leavitt confirmed that about 261 individuals were deported, with 137 under the contested act.
The clash between executive authority and judicial demands continues to escalate over deportation flight details. The Justice Department’s resistance underscores tensions over national security powers, as the administration navigates legal challenges from the judiciary. The implications of the case touch on broader issues concerning immigration policy and judicial oversight of executive actions, highlighting fundamental checks and balances within the U.S. government.
Original Source: apnews.com
